President Ali pledges $2 million to SDA health campaign

– Emphasize the importance of “unifying” activities that focus on our overall well-being

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday pledged $2 million to the Guyana Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Health Fair and Business Expo.

The head of state made the announcement at the opening of the Health Expo at the Sofia Exhibition Centre, and in a speech to a large number of religious leaders and patrons, he stressed the importance of holding a unified event with a focus on good health, including physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

“I want to expand our services to the church because I believe your work demonstrates the kind of service environment we want to create for the people,” President Ali said.

He noted that churches build connections with communities because religious groups have a responsibility to foster and promote the connection between health and wellness.

“I can say without a doubt that this is a movement of compassion, love and humanity,” he said.

The President further stressed the Church’s responsibility to address mental health issues through counselling, pastoral care and community support.

He said the Seventh-day Adventist Church has always been consistent in its mission to serve people and communities.

“This facility is open to everyone. Please take advantage of this facility and feel at home. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a phenomenal group of people who make you feel at home. I feel at home every time I come here…”

In addition to the $2 million donation, President Ali announced that the government, through the Ministry of Health, will coordinate with organizers to provide surgical treatment for cataract patients, distribute eyeglasses, and ensure that young girls and women are screened for cervical cancer.

The body of Seventh-day Adventist churches is a large and growing organization comprised of thirteen (13) divisions, which are made up of churches organized into alliances, conferences, fields, missions, or regions.

In addition, the Seventh-day Adventist Church promotes education at all levels, from elementary to secondary school.

Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana dates back to 1883, by 1973 the Adventist Church was operating in 11 primary schools, four of which were state-aided schools, and one missionary secondary school.

In 1974, a committee appointed by the Caribbean Union Assembly recommended that the then Guyana delegation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church should be reinstated as an Assembly on the basis of merit.

Over the decades, church groups have held many evangelical events and provided medical, educational and mental health services to communities across the country and region.